Can Love and Conflict Coexist in Scripture?
In this article, you will learn how John 13:34 contradicts Matthew 10:34, Luke 14:26, Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:19-20 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is a profound text filled with teachings that aim to guide believers in their spiritual journey. In John 13:34, Jesus introduces a revolutionary commandment to his disciples: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." This call to love is central to Christ's teachings. However, other parts of scripture seem to present contradictions to this message of love.
Take Matthew 10:34, for instance. Here, Jesus states that he did not come to bring peace, but a sword. This verse suggests division and conflict rather than harmony and love, making one wonder how these two important teachings coexist. Similarly, in Luke 14:26, Jesus talks about the need for his disciples to hate their family to truly follow him, which seems to directly oppose the call to love one another.
In the Old Testament, the concept of reciprocal justice is further highlighted. Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:19-20 discuss the idea of an "eye for an eye." It emphasizes retribution, a justice system that contrasts with the selfless love Jesus advocated for in John. Moreover, Deuteronomy 13:6-10 pushes it even further by commanding stringent actions against those enticing others to worship other gods, something that could drastically conflict with loving others universally.
These scriptural passages create a tapestry rich with differing messages. It’s akin to a family dinner where everyone brings a different dish, and you wonder how it all fits into a coherent meal. How do we reconcile these verses with the call to love one another? Can love exist alongside such severe teachings, or are these guidance tailored for particular contexts and times? These questions encourage reflection on how to interpret these ancient texts in today's world.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | John 13:34 | A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. |
| 2. | Matthew 10:34 | Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. |
| 3. | Luke 14:26 | If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. |
| 4. | Exodus 21:24 | Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, |
| 5. | Leviticus 24:19-20 | And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; |
| 6. | Deuteronomy 13:6-10 | If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; |